Aamir Khan has openly discussed the challenges his son Junaid Khan faced after his theatrical debut film, Loveyapa, did not meet box office expectations. In a conversation during Raj Shamani’s podcast, Aamir Khan addressed the nepotism debate’s impact on Junaid’s career, underscoring his emotional investment in his son’s professional journey and defending him amid public criticism.
Aamir Expresses Deep Parental Concern Over Junaid’s Career Struggles
While reflecting on how setbacks affect him, Aamir Khan shared,
I always felt that I was deeply attached to my work, almost obsessively, and what happened to my projects really mattered to me. But when Junaid entered the industry, I realised that a father’s emotions take over. These days, I’m more concerned about Junaid’s work. I want him to succeed, to be happy, and to get the recognition he deserves for the work he’s doing. As a father, that’s a very strong emotion.
—Aamir Khan, Actor
After earning critical recognition for his debut in Maharaj, released on Netflix, Junaid Khan took on the leading role in Loveyapa, a remake of the Tamil film Love Today. However, Loveyapa struggled to capture audience interest in theaters, with its box office earnings totaling Rs 8.85 crore worldwide. The film, directed by Advait Chandan and co-starring Khushi Kapoor, tells the story of a couple compelled to exchange their phones before marriage, a premise aimed at exploring trust and relationships among young people.
Nepotism Debated as Factor in Loveyapa’s Box Office Performance
Aamir Khan specifically cited the negativity surrounding nepotism as a major hurdle for Loveyapa’s reception, stating,
When Loveyapa released, I really liked the film and thought Junaid had done a good job. The role he played was quite different from his real personality. Junaid has this quality, he transforms into the character. I think uss film ko bahut negative backlash aaya. It was heavily trolled, nepotism mein bhut chali gayi ki yeh nepo kids hai (I think the film received a lot of negative backlash. It was heavily trolled and got dragged into the nepotism debate, labelled as a ‘nepo kid’ film). But Junaid and I are not like that. Until now, I’ve not interfered in his career, nor do I want to. In fact, I discouraged him from formally learning acting.
—Aamir Khan, Actor
Despite Aamir’s support and belief in Junaid’s talent, the film became a focal point for online criticism and trolling, most of which centered around nepotism in Bollywood. Many viewers and critics questioned the advantages given to star children, diverting attention from the work itself and contributing to the film’s underwhelming commercial response.
Loveyapa’s OTT Success and Upcoming Projects
Although Loveyapa’s box office run fell short, the film received a better response upon its OTT release, with viewers appreciating Junaid Khan’s performance on streaming platforms. Currently, the movie is available on JioHotstar, which has enabled it to reach a broader audience beyond theaters.
Looking forward, Aamir Khan will appear in Sitaare Zameen Par, which is described as a spiritual successor to his acclaimed film Taare Zameen Par. The movie co-stars Genelia D’Souza and is scheduled for a theatrical release on June 20, positioning Aamir once again at the forefront of a high-profile project.
Impact of the Nepotism Discourse on Emerging Actors
The public debate over nepotism remains a sensitive and complex topic in the Indian film industry, especially for actors like Junaid Khan, whose careers are scrutinized not just for merit but for their lineage. As Junaid carves his path, his experience with Loveyapa illustrates how broader industry conversations can significantly affect young talents’ opportunities and public perception. The evolving reception of Loveyapa on OTT platforms suggests that alternate avenues may allow emerging actors to win the audience’s appreciation on their own terms.
